Helping Ohio families get ahead

Dear friends and neighbors, I’ve spent my career working in economic development because I believe every Ohioan should have the opportunity to achieve their own version of the American Dream. That is why I am working to eliminate the biggest barrier to prosperity for many Americans: the benefits cliff. Problem: The benefits cliff A benefits cliff happens when a person receiving public assistance earns more money through a raise, promotion, or additional work hours that results in the partial or complete loss of federal benefits, which normally totals significantly more than the increased wages. I recently hosted a roundtable in Columbus with business, nonprofit, and government leaders from across Ohio about the benefits cliff and how we can fix it. Think about it this way: A single parent with two children in Dayton, Ohio could be offered a salary increase from $33,000 to $34,000. That $1,000 raise would make the family ineligible for $4,600 in food, housing, and child care benefits. The $1,000 raise thus results in a nearly $4,000 negative, financial impact. Solution: The Upward Mobility Act I introduced the Upward Mobility Act to help solve this problem and give more Americans a path to the American Dream without being trapped in a cycle of generational poverty. View my remarks here . I discussed this issue during a U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship hearing on how the benefits cliff traps Americans and stifles job creation and productivity for small businesses. Ending the benefits cliff is a decades-old challenge I have seen firsthand throughout my time in public service. Fixing it would help more Americans achieve financial stability and create a clearer pathway into the middle class. I will continue working to advance solutions that help families get ahead. For more information about the benefits cliff and how it affects Ohioans and Americans, visit my Upward Mobility Act website at www.husted.senate.gov/upward Upward Mobility Act in the news: ‘Upward Mobility Act’ proposes welfare reform, ending ‘Benefits Cliff’ Sen. Husted introduces bill to address ‘benefits cliff’ in anti-poverty programs Upward Mobility Act would help families Husted introduces benefits legislation that has been successful in Lucas County The “Upward Mobility Act” Seeks to Overcome Benefit Cliffs Why some Ohio workers are secretly turning down raises — and what one Cleveland business wants Congress to do about it Husted speaks against federal benefits cliff in Washington Statements of support for the Upward Mobility Act: “I commend Senator Husted for introducing his Upward Mobility Act. Benefits cliffs hold people back from reaching their full potential. Giving states the flexibility to address these ‘cliffs’ in various programs will encourage more people to take a new job, work more hours, or even accept a promotion. Senator Husted’s commonsense solution will help more Ohioans become self-sufficient, support their families and contribute to a stronger workforce. He has my full support,” said Mike DeWine, Governor of Ohio. “The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services applauds Senator Husted for introducing the Upward Mobility Act which would allow states to take innovative approaches to align eligibility requirements across public assistance programs. Far too often, programs intended to provide temporary assistance become a barrier to self-sufficiency by creating benefit cliff scenarios that penalize upward mobility and career advancement. Allowing states to align programs is a win for recipients and employers,” said Matthew Damschroder, Director of the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS). “The benefits cliff is a real challenge, and without thoughtful solutions, it can limit job retention and mobility for some of our most vulnerable residents. We appreciate that U.S. Sen. Jon Husted is taking steps to address this at a time when employers across our region face significant challenges in attracting and keeping talent. In today’s hiring climate, every potential worker matters,” said Lyle Huffman, Executive Vice President, Government Affairs & Community Impact at the Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber. “Benefit cliffs trap Ohio workers, stalling careers and gutting manufacturing. Manufacturers see employees turn down extra hours or permanent positions to avoid losing critical benefits. With the Upward Mobility Act, Ohio workers can finally earn more without losing the support they need. It’s a straightforward win for employees, their families and our state’s manufacturing strength,” said Ryan Augsburger, The Ohio Manufacturers’ Association President. “The Upward Mobility Act reflects a transformative shift in federal antipoverty policy—creating a safety net that advances the inherent dignity, potential and purpose of every person. For decades, outdated programs have created barriers that trap individuals and families in cycles of dependency. This legislation offers a path forward that prioritizes work, opportunity, and upward mobility as the true measures of a successful safety net,” said leaders from The Alliance for Opportunity in a letter to Senate leaders John Thune (R-N.D.) and Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.). We’re here to help Customer service is my top priority. My team and I have offices across Ohio to help our nearly 11.9 million neighbors. You can find the office locations here . As your U.S. Senator, my number one goal is to be a resource for you. If you’re having issues filing your taxes or with the IRS, you can fill out a form here for help. You can also call my Columbus office at (614) 369-4925 to speak with a dedicated member of my casework team. Stay in touch In addition to signing up for my newsletter, you can keep up with what I’m doing on behalf of Ohioans by following me on X at @SenJonHusted , Facebook at www.facebook.com/SenJonHusted , YouTube at @SenJonHusted , and Instagram at @SenJonHusted . Please know that hearing from Ohioans helps me better serve you. I hope you’ll keep sharing your thoughts with me here .